Construction workers in Texas face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the state, and despite the industry's rapid growth, their situation has largely remained the same over the past decade. A new report from the Workers Defense Project, a nonprofit based in Austin that advocates for immigrant and low-wage construction workers, sheds light on the ongoing struggles of these laborers.

According to the report, construction workers are more likely to die on the job than those in any other sector, and alarmingly, more than half of them are without workers' compensation insurance. The report also reveals that, in 2023, construction workers accounted for 42% of severe heat-related injuries in Texas, despite comprising less than 9% of the state's workforce.

The research analyzed conditions for workers in the Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth metro areas, using federal and academic data, as well as survey responses from around 350 laborers encountered at job sites. A striking 80% of the survey respondents were Latin American immigrants, and about half lacked legal status.

David Chincanchan, policy director at the Workers Defense Project, said, “For a long time, policymakers and industry leaders have really boasted about the fact that the Texas construction industry is moving, that it's growing, that it's so successful. But the reality is that for workers, that looks very different.”

The Texas construction industry has surged, now valued at $139 billion, up from $99 billion five years ago, and employing roughly 1.2 million workers. Yet, for all its growth, the statistics regarding worker conditions haven’t seen significant improvement since the organization's 2013 report. Both reports found that a majority of workers did not earn enough to support themselves, let alone their families.

The 2013 report revealed that over 50% of construction workers earned wages below the poverty line, while this year's data shows an even bleaker picture: 72% of workers are still not earning a living wage. Furthermore, about 60% of workers still lack workers' compensation insurance, and approximately one in five workers reported experiencing wage theft, with the average amount lost exceeding $2,000.

One positive shift noted in the report was in overtime pay. The 2013 report found that 50% of workers were denied overtime despite working over 40 hours, whereas this figure dropped to 25% in the latest survey.

Legislative Efforts and Advocacy

The timing of the 2025 report aligns with the Texas Legislature's biennial session, and the Workers Defense Project is once again urging lawmakers to enact stronger protections for workers. These include mandatory workers' compensation insurance and new measures for heat-related safety training and rest requirements. The organization is also advocating for legislation that would address "employee misclassification," where employers classify full-time workers as independent contractors to avoid paying certain benefits and taxes.

Daniela Hernandez, the organization's state legislative coordinator, remarked that bills addressing workers’ compensation, wage theft, and employee misclassification have gained some momentum in past legislative cycles. “We hope this report will push lawmakers to take action and create meaningful worker protections,” Hernandez said.

Chincanchan emphasized that the proposals should not be viewed as anti-business but as a way to level the playing field. "Beyond improving the lives of workers, new regulations are about having an even playing field for employers doing the right thing — or those who want to do the right thing — versus those who don't," he said. Without such a system, responsible employers may find themselves at a disadvantage.

The Texas legislature has recently passed House Bill 2127, which limits the ability of local governments to pass their own worker protections. This so-called "Death Star" bill is currently tied up in litigation.

In response to the ongoing issue of heat-related injuries in the state, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, an Austin Democrat known for his advocacy for labor rights, urged the Biden administration to implement federal heat protections. This led to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) drafting new regulations requiring employers to provide shade, water, and rest for workers when the heat index hits 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, along with mandatory training and emergency plans for heat-related injuries.

However, these rules were not implemented before President Biden left office, and the Trump administration froze any new regulations until further review.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Texas continues to experience population growth and economic expansion, construction workers still face an uphill battle when it comes to their safety and wages. The report from the Workers Defense Project shines a light on the slow pace of improvement and emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and legislative action.

Despite the challenges, the push for stronger protections and fair treatment for Texas’ construction workers remains a priority, with hopes that upcoming legislative sessions will provide the opportunity to make lasting changes. “The goal is not just to address the needs of today but to ensure that the future of construction work in Texas is safer, more sustainable, and fairer for all workers,” Chincanchan added.

The hope is that these efforts will create a more balanced and equitable environment for workers in a growing and increasingly vital sector. The ongoing advocacy from organizations like the Workers Defense Project ensures that the voices of these workers are heard, even as the construction industry continues to thrive.

Originally reported by Emiliano Tahui Gomez in Austin American-Statesman.